Are you still keeping the Christmas pounds you’ve gained over the winter season? Bikini season is here and if summer has not found you ready, then this is probably the best time for you to pay attention to your look. Summer is one of the most beautiful seasons in the world: hot and windy weather, holidays, colorful clothes and much more. However, this season can be frustrating when extra pounds appear. Throw out your baggy clothes and find out how to stay in shape this summer.
Stay responsible. Keeping a food journal is perhaps the most effective accountability tool when trying to lose weight. It is a good way to make the person aware of what, how much and why they eat. Weight loss isn’t just about avoiding ice cream and cake; it’s also about making a connection between your feelings, thoughts, and patterns when you eat.
Focus on your food. When you chew food in front of the TV or while driving, you don’t realize how much you’re eating. Often, you end up scraping the bottom of the ice cream container or grabbing the last few crumbs in the bag of chips before you even realize you’re at the bottom. Try to eat only at designated places. Food is something to be enjoyed.
Use smaller plates and utensils. If you eat from a plate of salad, your eyes will see a plate that is full of food, and then it will signal to your brain that your body is getting a good serving. But the same amount of food will seem smaller on a large plate. The space on the larger plate can be interpreted as an empty feeling in the stomach, leaving you feeling dissatisfied and wanting more.
Opt for healthy snacks. Here are some recommended carb-protein combos for a healthy snack.
- greek style yogurt
- protein nutrition bars
- Apple in almond/peanut butter
- handful of pistachios or almonds
- Low-Fat Hard Cheese Wedges with Whole Grain Crackers
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Hydrating the body properly will help you lose a few kilos and improve metabolism. Be sure to hydrate with calorie-free drinks like plain water, mineral water, and soda. Give it a little flavor by adding a splash of 100% fruit juice, cucumber slices, fresh berries, or a slice of lime, lemon, or orange.
Eat more products. Fruits and vegetables are low-calorie foods that are also nutritious and filling. They’re loaded with fiber and water content, making it a great way to satisfy your appetite without overindulging. Try to consume four to six cups of fruits and vegetables a day to help shape your body.
Move some more. Breaks in motion throughout the day will improve circulation, improve metabolism, and build stamina. Experts suggest taking movement breaks every 60 to 90 minutes. Examples include shoulder rolls, walking, standing, and chair dips or lunges to help contour the body.
Tone the muscles and eliminate that fat. Toned muscles are not only great for sunbathing, but also have long-lasting effects as you age. For those with stubborn areas around the hips and thighs that don’t respond well to a healthy diet and exercise, try the Zerona laser; a laser fat removal and non-invasive treatment that helps you lose inches even without the surgical methods. Zerona laser procedure uses laser technology that emulsifies fat and moves it to the interstitial space. This laser fat removal treatment only takes about 40 minutes every other day for two weeks.
Everyone has their own opinion on weight loss. Only you know what works for your body.